St. Thomas' Episcopal Church: Russell Cook Concert

Russell Cook If, as the movie says, “Life is like a box of chocolates…” then Russell Cook can say that he has enjoyed tasting them all! This 48-year-old Mansfield, Texas businessman has found a way to use and enjoy the talents that God blessed him with, and has created two successful, over-lapping businesses. Russell is the creative, driving force behind “MASTER WORKS”; a small, but internationally known company that creates hand-crafted Hammer Dulcimers. His other company is “WOOD ‘N STRINGS”, where he composes, performs, and produces his own albums of Hammer Dulcimer music, as well as showcases other Dulcimer artists.

A Hammer Dulcimer is a difficult instrument to describe, but is one that, once heard, cannot easily be forgotten. It is a unique trapezoid-shaped folk instrument that has a sound similar to that of a piano. Unlike a piano, a Hammer Dulcimer requires a “hands on” approach to playing the strings. Two lightweight hammers are held much the same way a child holds the mallets for a xylophone. As Russell explains it, you can learn to play a song on a Hammer Dulcimer in a few short lessons, but years go into perfecting the kind of musical talent that can inspire your soul. Russell personally built approximately 1000 HD's in the late 1970's and the early '80's. He sold his instruments by traveling around the country, performing at various festivals. Today, his “MASTER WORKS” instruments need no introduction, but he still travels to the festivals to share the spirit of the music and camaraderie of his fellow musicians.

In 1981, Russell competed and won the National Hammer Dulcimer Contest in Winfield, Kansas. Since 1986, “RUSSELL COOK/ MASTER WORKS” has been one of three Hammer Dulcimer builders chosen to create a handcrafted instrument for the competition. The annual contest winner selects one of these instruments as their first place prize. Being asked to supply an instrument is one of the highest honors for any luthier. Russell’s demand for excellence, and his detailed workmanship, has led his Dulcimers to be selected by contest winners fifteen times in the past eighteen years.

After you spend an hour talking to Russell, you realize that you are in the presence of a man who daily counts his blessings. At the top of the list, is his personal relationship with God. Coming a close second, is his wife of 27 years, Merla; and their two sons, Kelly, 21 and Cory, 20. Since he was a child, Russell has always loved music. He had a quick natural talent for musical instruments and is one of those rare people who can play by ear. He is quick to credit God for his musical ability. His bites of “chocolate” have been very sweet. When asked to describe his personal motto, Russell states, “To be a master of my work and to be about the work of The Master.”

Today, Russell Cook enjoys spending most of his days recording and producing a variety of his own music. Probably his favorite of the seven albums he has recorded is “Morning Has Broken”. It is a collection of Gospel Hymns that has received thousands of hours of radio air play across the country. He has also recorded “Hark”, a collection of Christmas favorites; “Reminisce”, easy listening and old favorites; “Precious Memories”, a series of Gospel favorites with a country flavor; and “Classical Journeys”, which contains classical favorites backed by a full orchestra!

Because he firmly believes that everyone should give something back to their community, Russell performs at festivals, schools, benefit concerts, and churches. He has even played in a prison! “WOOD ‘N STRINGS” showcases other new artists and occasionally offers workshops on learning to play the Hammer Dulcimer. Russell knows that he has been blessed with the love of music, and wants nothing more than to pass that appreciation on to other people. He is more than willing to share his “Box of Chocolates” with the world! While we enjoy the benefits of his sweet tooth, we too, can learn to make a very “Joyful Noise”!

DISCOGRAPHY

RED HAIRED BOY
TIMELESS
MORNING HAS BROKEN
HAMMER DULCIMER CHAMPIONS
HARK!
REMINISCE
PRECIOUS MEMORIES
CLASSICAL JOURNEYS
WHITE CHRISTMAS
LOVE ME TENDER
TWILIGHT IN THE HIGHLANDS

“WOOD ‘N STRINGS” also distributes dozens of other fine Hammer and Mountain Dulcimer recordings to retail shops throughout the US. You may also hear Russell’s music in hundreds of craft malls and antique shops across the country. A mail order catalog may be obtained by calling, toll free, 1-888-752-9243.